Celeb Blog: Last Stop: Madison Square Garden

The American Idol star tells all about her life on tour with Alicia Keys

Jul 1, 2008

\nTouring is an amazing thing. It gives me the opportunity to travel across the country, see
different places, encounter different people, and sing in front of you.

The last day of the tour was so crazy and such a huge blur. When we arrived at Madison
Square Garden in New York, some of my biggest fans were waiting outside for me. After
saying hello to them we headed to a radio meet and greet. The girls were dressed so cute!
I was a little bit jealous.

Before the show, my mom, best friend Bailey, manager and I had a catered dinner for the
last time (this time around.) We talked about how we couldn't believe it was already over,
and said our goodbyes to some of the crew. I saw NeYo and I told him thank you for
always being so kind to me and for asking if I was doing OK. He gives the greatest hugs!

Then, I went backstage to get ready for the show. Thank goodness I had my hair done, or
I would've been a mess! I was just about to dramatize my makeup when I was pulled into
a meeting with my record label. Everyone came out to support the last show. They
presented me with a platinum plaque for my album. I had no idea they were going to do
that. I loved it!

By the time I got back to my dressing room, I only had 15 minutes to get ready. It was
madness! I had a cut on my leg, my makeup wasn't done, the dress wasn't zipped, and my
heart was pounding. My mom said a little prayer and I went out onstage. There were so
many people. I saw orange everywhere! Thank you so much for that. I was overwhelmed.
I was playing Madison Square Garden dang it!!! I had a blast and I hope you did too.

It was the last show. The end. It was so cool knowing every night when I got off stage,
NeYo's band would be waiting there to tell me "good show," Carter (the 7-foot "teddy
bear") would walk me to my dressing room.

I want to say a huge thank you to Alicia Keys for having me on her tour, Neyo for being
so kind, the bands (we wouldn't be complete without you!), the crew who worked so hard
day and night fixing the stage, security for keeping us safe, and YOU. Thank you for
coming out and supporting us. We do this for you and you keep us going. We love you.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.